NEWSLETTER

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Club took place on Saturday 12 April 2003 in the school library. 28 Old Boys were present. The accounts were presented to the meeting and were approved. Two members of the Committee, David Merriman and Ralph Miller, were standing down, and the Committee would seek to fill those vacancies. In response to some questions, it was reported that there had been a pleasing increase in membership, and contact with OWs through the OW web site.

After the AGM an EGM was held to approve of the new Constitution.   There were no major changes but it was felt that the old constitution needed to be brought up-to-date in a few areas. The new Constitution was approved unanimously. If any member of the OW Club would like a copy of the constitution, please send a S.A.E. to Ian Clark.

Prior to the Dinner, senior boys of the school gave a conducted tour to about 30 Old Boys, pointing out changes and additions, which had taken place over the past few years, and this was much appreciated.

ANNUAL DINNER

The Annual Dinner was attended by 115 Old Boys, 19 teachers (both former and present), and 7 Senior Boys.  There was a most pleasing increase in the number of Old Boys, particularly in the number of more recent Old Boys, and it is hoped that this trend will continue. 

Photos are available by clicking here.

Before dinner the Headmaster, Tim Dingle gave a brief review of the school’s achievements over the past year, and his hopes for the future.  The Guest of Honour was Ian Blyth, who had been a boy at the RGS in the 1950s and had taught at the school for 39 years. David Merriman proposed the toast to Ian, and Ian replied with some very entertaining reminiscences of his time at the school.  Many thanks to Jan Lord, who gave the OW Club a gavel for use on such occasions.  John Mitchell, the school Archivist, was present, selling copies of his recent book about the RGS. There is below an article about the book and how anyone can buy a copy.

A list of OWs attending the Dinner is given below, together with the year that they left school.  Those names that do not have a year are the names of the teachers who attended.

If you recognise any of these names and would like to be in contact with them, do get in touch with Ian Clark.

If you wish to see photographs of the Dinner, click here.

Since the Dinner a number of appreciative emails and letters have been received. It seems to be agreed that the Queen’s Hall is a much better venue. One or two raised the point that the Bar was not open at 6.00p.m. as we promised, and we are very sorry about that. We will see to it that that does not happen again.  If you did not come this year, perhaps you might wish to plan to come next year.

HOCKEY, FENCING, ROWING

On the afternoon of the Dinner, 22 old boys enjoyed a game of hockey at Bisham Abbey, David Stone, who organised the event so well, reports as follows:

The match was enjoyed by all 22 participating players, the final score being 7-6, with the winning goal coming in the last minute.

It was a pleasure to see ex-G.B. player Scott Ashdown with us on the day before Reading’s Cup Final with Cannock.  It was ideal preparation as Scott scored the winning goal!  It was fascinating to see Brendan McNally showing how to play with a stick from the late 1970s!  He seemed a little bemused to see that forwards can now legally roam around in off-side positions!

Roy Page passed the ball well in his first game for a while and fellow veterans Arif Amin, Dave Peterson and David Willmot all used their experience to good effect.  (I think that Dave had come from a game in the morning!)  Simon Noakes had intended to play but had just become a father for the first time.  His wife and daughter are fine.  Hopefully you can play next year, Simon.

Several players enjoyed themselves at the Dinner at the school in the evening. Dan Anderson enjoyed it so much that he is a certainty for next year. (He did tell me this after several units of alcohol!!)

Goal in the match were scored by Jon Axworthy 2, Robert King 2, Levon Litster, Stuart Penman (current School Captain), Mohammad Aumran Tahir, Tim Townley 2, Murad Vassib, David Willmot, Sajid Ali Zaib 2.

Participating Players: Goal scorers above + Arif Amin, Dan Anderson, Scott Ashdown, Daniel Grant, Simon Grant, Justin Hall, Tim Jarrett, Brendan McNally, Simon Molden, Roy Page, Dave Peterson, Ben Saunders (current school G.K.), Michael Spragg.

Some fencers and rowers performed in the Sports’ Hall, and on the Thames respectively.  It is hoped that the sporting occasions will become a feature of the Reunion and more Old Boys will be able to participate and in more sports. 

CRICKET, GOLF AND TENNIS

On Wednesday 16 July we hope to arrange a Sporting Reunion for OWs. An OW Cricket Team will play against the RGS for the Duncan Moore trophy as it has done for the last two years, and in addition that there will be a golf match at Hazlemere Golf Club, and a Tennis Match. This should be a very enjoyable occasion. Already a number of OWs have expressed an interest in playing. If you would like to take part in one of these events, please complete the booking form below.

BOOKING FORM FOR SPORTS REUNION DAY ON JULY 16

Name…………………………………………………  Dates at School………….to………..

Address…………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Postcode…………………. Telephone:Home………………….. Work……………………..

Email Address………………………………………………………………………………….

I am interested in participating on July 16

Cricket……

Golf………                Handicap………

Tennis……

As these sports are on at the same time, please EITHER tick one sport, OR in the case of over subscription, put your choice in order, e.g. 1,2.

Please return this form to Ian Clark, 5, Foxhill Close, High Wycombe, HP13 5BL by Monday June 30^th, or by email.

Do encourage any OW friend to join you for the occasion. If you complete the form, you will receive an email or letter by the end of June, giving full details of the arrangements for each event.   

DETAILS OF OWs

Over the last year the number of OWs who have sent their details in to be put on the web site has grown considerably, and Martin Berry, who is the web site consultant has devised a new format, which we hope will make it easier for OWs to find out details of other OWs in their own particular year-group. If you have not sent in your details, I would encourage you to do so. As with Friends Reunited, this web site has enabled OWs to regain contact with old friends.

If you have any suggestions how the web site can be improved, please contact Ian Clark, (ianrclarkuk@yahoo.co.uk)

INTERESTING FOOTNOTE

An email was received recently from someone investigating her ancestry. She asked about a William Sproston, whose tombstone referred to the RGS. It turned out that he was Headmaster of the RGS in the early years of the 19^th century and there were about six pages about him in the School History.

SAD NEWS

It is very sad to report that Russel Everett, who was Head of Electronics until his retirement last July, died of cancer on 1 May.  He had also taught Physics since he joined the RGS in 1982.  Russel was a really dedicated schoolteacher who demanded high standards in everything he did and was always prepared to go the extra mile for his students.  He spent countless time working on the lighting and sound for School Productions in the Queen’s Hall.  He will be sadly missed by so many.  Please also see the report in the 2002 School Magazine.  The deepest condolences of all who are associated with the RGS go to his wife, and his family. Antony, his son, was at the RGS from 1985-1991.

It is also very sad to report that Julia Dunstan who was a School Secretary in the 1980s died in March.

FORTHCOMING RETIREMENTS 

Colin Tattersall, who for many years was Director of Sport and recently Director of Development, has announced that he will be retiring on health grounds at the end of the Summer Term. He is retiring because his arthritic ankle can no longer stand up to the strain of coaching every day. Colin will have a second operation on it, but although it will take away the pain, it will restrict his mobility. He has been an outstanding rugby coach and teams at both Under 18 and Under 15 level have reached the finals of the Daily Mail competition on a number of occasions, and during his time at the RGS 30 internationals at either full of schoolboy level have been produced.

Colin Howe, Head of Design and Technology since 1988, is also retiring at the end of this year. Apart from the teaching, he has organised many ski-trips and ran the Kart Club for many years. His wife, Sylvia, works in the Resources CentreAs has been mentioned before, Ian Blyth is also retiring.

A fuller tribute to both Colins and Ian Blyth will appear in a future newsletter.

Editor: Please let me have your memories of any of them.

OW INTERNATIONALS

There is to be an Honours Board in memory of Nick Duncombe for OWs, who have been full Internationals in any sport.

The list so far includes:

Rugby:            Ted Woodward. Ron Syrett, Nick Beal, Matt Dawson, Alan Brinn, Clive               Ashby.

Cricket:            Phil Newport.

Soccer:            Otto Decker 

Gymnast:        Ross Brewer

Athlete:            Martin Gillingham

If you are a full International in any sport, or you know anyone else in that category, please let Ian Clark know as soon as possible.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Mike Beardall on his appointment as Commanding officer of HMS CARDIFF, a 4000 tonne Type 42 Air Defence Destroyer with a Ship’s Company of 250.

Congratulations also to Colin Pendrill on his appointment as Head of History at Oundle School.

If you have good news about yourself or an OW friend, do let us know, and we will publish it on this web site.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

 Dear Sir,

After seven years as a boarder, who could not have memories of  “Boss”?

One of my favourites is when us Uplymers were waiting in line for Tea.  Well, we were sort of in line with the usual jockeying for a better position in line.

The corridor outside the dining room at School House was the only place where we could go. Being Uplymers we were banned from the School House Common Room.  I suppose the noise level was a little high on this particular day, and Boss appeared.  He uttered a wonderful line. “Anyone would think that you were a pack of lions waiting to be fed!”

I have often wondered if he carefully composed that line for the occasion.

Yours,

Nick Avery

(1957-1964)

Dear Ian,

I can answer Peter Draper’s question in the March Newsletter, as I was there in 1951/2

The matron in school House in the early 50s was Miss Toulson, better known as Toolbag. She was of course a qualified nurse, SRN at least, and might for all we know have been a hospital sister or matron, before coming to us. She was always in uniform and was very proper. While I have no experience of Tylerswood, I can comment and compare the matrons at Uplyme. During my time there, 1952/58, there was firstly the diminutive Scottish Nessie S Macintyre, followed by plump Irish, Miss Connolly. They were both wonderful, warm and kindly ladies, who took the role of “Mums” and supplemented the very caring endeavours of Mervyn and Iris Davies. Uplyme was a wonderful house and I doubt that it could have been bettered.    

As Uplyme boys ate at school House, I can vouch for Peter’s comments on crusts. Throughout my time as a boarder, I had an ongoing battle with Boss Tucker, whose wife was ultimately responsible for catering at School House. The food was poor and they must have actually bought crusts from the baker or some catering concern, which had trimmed them off bread used for better purposes. How else could it be, when every boy had to eat one quarter of a crust at each meal?

Happy Days!

Yours sincerely,

Graham (Willie) Watson

STAFF v BOYS SOCCER

For over thirty years fifth-formers, as they used to be called, and sixth-formers have played soccer against staff teams on the Rye, Hazlemere Recreation Ground, Bisham, and other venues. Jeremy Lingard was the member of staff who started the whole thing off. Sadly in the last year or so, because of a shortage of staff footballers, the 11-a-side games have become 5-a-side games in the Sports Hall. Did you ever play in any of the games?  What are your memories?  Did you play in a team that beat the Staff, a rare occurrence?  What are your memories of the Staff teams? Which member of staff impressed you most with his silky skills?  Were there any amusing moments?  Do write in your memories.  

While writing of soccer, I give you a quiz for those who were at the RGS in the seventies:

Which members of staff supported the following teams?

1 Oxford United

2 Wolverhampton

3 Portsmouth

4 Norwich

5 Sunderland

6 Oldham

7 West Ham

8 Arsenal

9 Southampton

10 Watford

For those who were here in the late nineties, Questions 1-7 are the same, then:

8 Wycombe Wanderers

9 Carlisle

10 Leeds

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Memories from Michael D. Fellows (1939-1945) following the visit to the Royal Grammar School on 10th March 2003

Having not been back to RGS since 1945 I felt the shock of the loss of the view of the old building quite markedly.

I was a wartime pupil, joining at the age of 10 years and 23 days, having arrived from the IoW where I had been attending the Newport Grammar School for 3 years. The first term memories returned very rapidly. Learning Amo, Amas, Amat etc whilst walking home along the path above the cemetery to my new home at 12, Priory Avenue. Housed in the Junior block with access to the hall for assembly via the "bogs" and sometimes bog alley we were 'forbidden', but still did, climb up the grassy bank onto the lawn which separated the Boss’ House (and Boarding house) from the back of the hall. Now it is sadly concreted over. The handicraft (woodwork, I seem to remember) shop is still in the same place and the bike sheds, sadly devoid of cycles, still stand were they were. They provided shelter for those who would defy authority and smoke their woodbines.

In early February 1940 I got 'Flu followed immediately by Rheumatic Fever. After 3 weeks at home I was whisked into Harefield Hospital. It was late June before I was finally sent home from Amersham Hospital. The following two terms saw me attending a private tutor, the Vicar of Terriers Church for 2 hours 3 mornings a week. I returned to 3uC for the summer term of 1941 and came 27th out of 28th in the form classification. I also weighed less than any one else in the class. Forbidden, on medical advice, from doing games or PE, I spent many periods 'catching up' in the Library. From that 27th place up was the only choice left. The best was 1st in Latin once.

The blitz on London saw the evacuation of a Boys’ school from London to High Wycombe. I cannot recall the name of that school now but I am sure someone else remembers it well. They shared the use of 'our' building. We started school much earlier than hitherto, 8 a.m. I think it was. The other boys arrived at noon and ate lunch in the school hall. RGS closed lessons at 12.45, followed by Lunch and Games. The lunches were just about edible if you cut the thick brown gravy with a knife. The custard was often the consistency of hard rubber. Eat that, and the revolting semolina and tapioca puddings each with one teaspoonful of jam, to make the medicine go down so to speak, was insisted on by parents in order to help out with the rations at home. We boys had all sorts of revolting names for these puddings but they kept up our spirits in all senses of the word. Being excluded from games I went home, unless, as in the latter part of this sharing arrangement I managed to get into the stores of the OTC ostensibly to maintain equipment. I was keen on radios and built my own, powered by 'U/S' MoD HT batteries, which I scrounged. These batteries had both LT and HT sources all in one capsule. The LT section was flat so I had to provide my own LT supply from bought batteries. That drained my pocket money. This home-built wireless went with the school party which, under the direction and leadership of the Rev 'Mac' (I think it was MacGovern, but every one called him Mac) went on Harvest Camps for four weeks in the summer holidays throughout the war. I went to one in North Bucks one year and to Frome in Somerset for two years. It was on my birthday that the homemade radio gave us the staggering news of the first atom bomb being dropped on Japan. I know that I was very upset as were many of the students and accompanying staff at the enormity of the explosion as explained on that wireless. I built sets for others, including for the parents of David Cox.

As to schoolwork, I recall lessons in the room above 3uC's classroom in Geography with Mr. Sam Morgan a geography teacher par excellence, a most firm disciplinarian with whom I brushed on more than one occasion, in particular over the presence or not of a hammerhead crane in Portsmouth Dockyard.) I won that one and then learnt to keep quiet. The Science labs were all upstairs in the main building, Biology on the north side half way up the stairs, then Physics with Dr. Millington (or was it Milligon?) who taught me about cloud chambers. When I was in 4c and 5c my science teacher was a Miss Brown. To us boys nearly all the teacher seemed old (certainly over military age) but Miss Brown was an exception (and one of the first lady teachers). In the 1970's we met again at Hilsea Boys School in Portsmouth when she brought in some student teachers for teaching practice. It was Miss Brown who asked me if I had attended the RGS. The other younger member of staff was a Mr. S.O. Speakman, who suddenly arrived to teach us Spanish instead of Latin or French. He was the antithesis of Sam Morgan and we played 'merry hell'. On one occasion we wired up the classroom clock, so that every five minutes a loud buzzing came from the clock for about 30 seconds. He could not make this out and finally brought in the Boss. Mr. Tucker really tore us off a strip. Sudden staff changes happened then too. This particular change meant that I failed to take either French or Spanish in my School certificate exams in 1944. Swotting early one morning in June for my exams I heard the drone of aeroplanes growing in intensity. It was OK we knew the difference in the sound of ours and theirs. Soon the sky was filled from East to West and North to South with our bombers, towing gliders. It went on for so long one had to wonder were they had all come from. We knew where they were going.

Shortages were all around us. The senior master P. L. Jones, known to all as Pilgey, was in charge of stationery. To obtain a new exercise book the old one had to be inspected by him. If even so much as two half pages were still unused he would not issue a new book. This sometimes upset pupils and staff when homework that had been done could not be found on the left over page. Pilgey was also adept at feeling the thickness of the books. Removing even a couple of double pages, whilst carefully replacing the staples was more often than not discovered and we had to pay for extra spare sheets. Pilgey's car was a Morgan with its air cooled external cylinders and was much admired by us boys when he was able to bring it to school, that is when the petrol ration was restored.

Entry into the Sixth form in Sept.1944, with its base in the Library on the ground floor of the south wing, was not the most successful period for me. Whilst I had learnt to study in Games periods I still felt the lack of guidance. I enjoyed my time in Maths with Mr. Black. He was unusual in a strange way. All the rest of us boys and staff alike had patches of cloth or leather on the elbows of our jackets and often round the cuffs too. Mr. Black carried a small pair of scissors with him and could be seen from time to time trimming the frayed threads of his suit cuffs as he walked to his next class. He maintained his standard suit all the time I knew him. He took the sixth form group I was in for General Studies and once directed each of us to give a talk upon some new invention. These presentations were excellent for encouraging research and stimulated us markedly. I remember that my presentation was on something, which is today ubiquitous, fluorescent lights. Another aspect of Sixth form life included our self-organised Music Club held at Lunch times. Not for me as I am tone deaf. My father wanted me to join the army and despite being happy and promoted in the OTC I did not want to follow in his footsteps. In consultation with my Grandfather and with Boss I was, I believe, one of the first ever to be given leave of absence for "work experience" in school time. Despite being roundly held to account by Boss for what he described as an entirely unsuitable English Mock Paper he was generous in his support for the scheme which saw me being a pupil teacher at Sands Primary School for 2 weeks in the summer term of 1945, with the proviso that I continue to attend school on Saturday morning. This was more to do with sixth form numbers, I guessed later, than to do with my education. At the end of the time I asked for an extension and got it. In fact it continued to the end of term. By then I had made up my mind that I wanted to be a teacher and again received Boss's help and encouragement and through his actions the local education office agreed that I should become a full time, expenses only, pupil teacher at Sands for the year 1945/6 prior to entering Culham College in September 1946.

There were 2 other events, which have surfaced in my mind since the visit to RGS. The names of the school houses had been Kings, Queens, Arnison and Disraeli. We were privileged to receive a visit from and a talk by Commander I. Fraser V.C. and to have the House, Kings, re-named in his honour. He spoke to us at length about his submarine exploits in the Far East for which he won his Victoria Cross. At some time towards the end of the war General Eisenhower, (later President of the U.S.A.) who was stationed in High Wycombe, addressed a large gathering in The Town Hall. I am not clear as to whether this was a town function or one such as a prize giving for the school. Certainly the attendance would not have been accommodated in the school hall. I was present in the foyer of the town hall as he left at the end of the event. Why I cannot for the life of me remember now, 57 years on. Maybe other members have better memories of this event.

Certainly I found the visit to RGS very stimulating, and thanks to Ian Clark, former deputy headmaster, who showed my brother and I around, very informative. I wish the school continued success and just wonder how many others from the war years are still around. My 'walking to school' companion, and college room-sharing friend, D.A.E Cox still is, and he is very active locally. Ransely and Meakin are two class- mate names I can still recall as well as Duckworth the Head Prefect. I am sure that the writing of these thoughts may conjure up others in time. The most enduring memory of those war time years at RGS are those of effort to do the best, to persevere, and not to give up when the going gets tough. These applied at school and just as much at home. Long may they continue to be instilled in the youth of today and tomorrow. 

Does this account bring back memories of that period with other Old Boys? Do you remember General Eisenhower in High Wycombe?

DO LET ME HAVE YOUR MEMORIES!

Michael’s brother, John, who was at the RGS 1947-1954 has written down his reflections on his visit to the RGS and these will be published in the next newsletter.

REPORTS ON RUGBY MATCHES

These reports of Rugby Matches have never been published before. Can anyone name which year and what were the names of the opponents.

Match 1

“The match was played in difficult conditions of pouring rain. RGS made a good start and Shaw kicked a penalty. The opponents surged back into the game and snatched an opportunist try. Just before half-time RGS regained the lead when left-wing Peter Maxmin scored the first of his three tries. Shaw added a touchline conversion.

The score at half-time was 9-6 to RGS.

When scrum-half, Matthew Dawson made a good defensive catch, fly-half, Simon Shaw turned defence to attack with a break of 30 metres before floating a pass to Maxmin for his second try, which was converted.  Maxmin’s third try came from good interplay and handling by both forwards and backs, Shaw’s conversion taking the score to 19-6 The RGS were awarded a penalty try in the closing minutes to complete a 25-6 victory.

The 2^nd Team won 44-0.”

Match 2

“Playing into a strong wind RGS failed to cope with the forward power of a very strong opposing pack, who thoroughly deserved to take an early 8-0 lead through two push-over tries, and soon after scored again.  It looked as if RGS would not recover from a 14-0 deficit.

However the RGS fought back well and put full-back Duncan Smith in for a try and a half-time score of 4-14.  RGS stared the second-half well with Pearson collecting a loose ball to put left-wing, Peter Maxmin, in for a 40metre run to the try-line. Good handling in the backs produced a try for the right-wing, Richard McGrath and close the score to 14-12.

With only minutes left, Simon Shaw kicked a 30-yard penalty to take victory 15-14.

The 2^nd Team won 12-3.”     

?      ?      ?

Anybody know the whereabouts of Peter Eliot, who was in Tylers Wood in 1949 or Andrew Staynor who was at the RGS in the 1970s?

Two OWs would like to contact them.

EDITOR’S APOLOGIES

Judy De Gelas, who is responsible for the presentation of this web site with the inclusion of pictures and photographs, has been ill in recent weeks, and consequently has been unable to do the necessary work on it.  I thought it important that at least the script is published on the advertised date, even though the newsletter lacks a certain flavour.  In addition, we have still to put on details of about thirty individual OWs.  I hope that when Judy has fully recovered we shall be able to put the photos and pictures in the newsletter and update the details, but this may not be until after Whitsun. My apologies to all! Please continue to point out the mistakes!

I met John Axton, one of the oldest OWs in Kent recently, and will relating some of his memories in the next newsletter. Also, what did Ian Dury think of the RGS?

Please continue to send in your contributions.  The next newsletter will be published on July 1st, when there will be full details of the sporting reunions.